The two settings of the poem, Camelot and the island of Shalott, are deliberately juxtaposed. Camelot is immediately presented as an extremely pleasant and welcoming, almost idyllic place. The setting is serene and tranquil; there is a river that 'runs for ever', on both sides of which there are 'long fields of barley and of rye'. The vivid image that is presented to the reader is one of serenity and dyamis at the same time; this is conveyed throught the use of verbs such as 'lie', which suggests idleness and serenity, and 'clothe', which conveys a sense of protection and caring.The terms 'quiver', 'dusk and shover' suggest quick movement. In contrast with this tranquil, pastoral idyll is the hustle an dbustle of city life. The road 'runs by' to Camelot, where the people go 'up and down' in continuous movement. The 'heavy barges' and the 'shallop' all '[skim]' down to the town; this shows not only movement and activity, but also possibly alludes to wealth. tennyson juxtaposes the activity and energetic vibe of Camelot with the dullness and mysterious anture of the island of Shalott, where the protagonist resides. The island around th castle where the Lady of Shalott resides is beautiful: it '[overlooks] a space of flowers' and 'the lilies' blow around it; this creates a picture of natural beauty and delicacy. However, the tower where the protagonist lives is blandly described as 'four gray walls and four grey towers'. The dullness and dreariness of this palace is immediately and effinetly conveyed in this short line, which exposes the dreary colour and the simplicity of the setting, as well as alluding to its being like a prison.
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